Crafting Children’s Spaces: Designer’s Top Tips
I adore seeing our lighting and décor in every home, but spotting them in kid’s spaces is especially sweet! With Mother’s Day around the corner, and with most of the world confined to close quarters, our own homes (and the kids in them) are top of mind. We asked some of our talented trade partners for their top tips when designing children’s spaces that will transition as they grow, reflect their personalities, and where to spend vs. save.
“I love, love, love to use kid's artwork in their room! This is such a fun way to involve the child in the design of the room and a way for them to express themselves creatively! We actually did a gallery wall of the girls' artwork in this bedroom and had them custom framed for the space. Such a personal touch.”
Room photography credit: Margaret Rajic
Q: An easy way to make a piece of furniture feel more kid-friendly?
Find some playful hardware for their casegoods now, and swap it out when they're older for something more refined.
Q: How do you get kids involved in designing their own space?
I like to ask their favorite colors and try to work those in somehow. I also love to have them pick out their own sheets! It's an easy way for them to get involved and it really excites them when they feel invested in the decor.
“A simple coat of paint can transition beautifully-crafted casegoods and cabinetry as little ones grow into their own special styles and preferences.”
Photography Credit: Anna Routh Barzin
Q: How and when to use color in a kid’s room…what are the basics?
For bigger ticket items like upholstery and casegoods, I tend to stick with neutral finishes and fabrics (usually performance fabrics so they hold up well!). If the foundation is easily pared back to a blank slate, then it's easy to refresh the space with smaller accents like pillows and artwork. If I do begin with color, I always like to start soft! That way, introducing new hues is a much simpler task.
Q: What should every kid's room have?
Our room is our sanctuary. Every child deserves a space with a personality that reflects their own!
“If the child is younger, a place to hide and play in privacy is key (like a tent, or the bottom of a closet). So many special memories are built in tiny spaces where kids create their own worlds. A great reading nook or reading spot, is a must as they get older. I think there is a close connection between having an enjoyable spot to read and how much they love reading later on.”
Photography credit: Jason Kindig
Q: How do you choose what pieces in a room to invest in?
I like to think long-term and invest in classic pieces that will never go out of style. Even though my daughter is 12 and was 10 when I designed this playroom, I was already thinking of how her special reading chair could move with her when she gets her first apartment, as well as the art in this room. The smaller, decorative accessories are the ones that can easily be transitioned as she gets older. So, I like to have fun with those.
Q: What are your go-to durable pieces for kid’s spaces?
I especially love the West Elm Parson's Desk. They hold up pretty well, and look great in any space. We have had ours for over 12 years.
“I'm a big fan of adding memo boards to kid's rooms, so that they have a place to express themselves.”
Q: What pieces that are worth splurging on for kid’s spaces & where do you save?
I splurge on items that can grow with the child, and with the room. Items like a quality dresser and custom window treatments will live in the space for years to come, so they are worth the investment! On the other hand, items that will get a lot of wear and tear, and will inevitably need to be replaced anyway, like bedding, are places to save!
Q: For the quick and practical in us, do you have a go-to suggestion for personalizing a room?
I'm a big fan of adding memo boards to kid's rooms, so that they have a place to express themselves. Kids' interests change so quickly that I never recommend designing an entire room around their hobby du jour, but it's nice for them to have a designated space that they can curate however they want.
“A fun way to integrate a child's personality is showing off their artwork. This is an easy DIY project and the artwork can easily be switched out as they get older.”
Q: Kids can be designers at heart! How do you bring them into your process?
When I design a child's room they are present every step of the way (with guidance from their parents, of course!). I ask them about their favorite colors, TV shows, where they like to shop, hobbies and sports they might play. I even show them pictures of rooms and ask what they like and dislike about them.
Q: What are your tips for creating a space that kids don’t want to leave? (Asking for a friend.)
You've decorated this great space for your child, now you want them to stay in it! Give them a reading nook or corner. If the room allows, I always design a cozy "corner" space filled with a chair, pillows or poufs, a bookshelf (there are great wall mounted options now) and a reading light. This can be transitioned from a reading corner to a desk and chair as they get older and can study in their rooms.
“To maximize storage in kid’s spaces, I like to use storage ottomans at the edge of the bed along with free standing baskets, and wall mounted shelves. I try to always think about safety, and utility, as well as aesthetics.”
Q: How do you design a space that will transition with the child as they grow?
I always like to take the long-term view when planning a room, and that’s why I keep the selections sophisticated (even when it’s for a baby). You definitely want to have a foundation that grows with the child.
Q: What pieces are worth splurging on for kids spaces?
I’m always in favor of mixing highs and lows and children’s rooms are no exception. I find fantastic wallpaper and light fixtures are always worth splurging on because they’re so transformative to a space.
These designers covered the spectrum on tips & tricks, and I was inspired to share a few of my own!
“Invest in window coverings with blackout lining, both babies and irritable teens will sleep more peacefully!”
Q: Where to save?
I agree, children can wreak havocs on beds, so I actually did a simple DIY upholstery for my stepson’s heardboard, first with a punchy palm print, later recovered with a sophisticated Schumacher print when he started high school. Artwork replaced the shelf that housed his no longer prized knick-knacks. One of my favorite sources for beautiful, affordable art is Artfully Walls.
Q: Where to splurge?
Invest in window coverings with blackout lining, both babies and irritable teens will sleep more peacefully! For kid’s play spaces, I opt for indoor/outdoor rugs, and Dash and Albert’S’ are my go-tos, soft underfoot but so easy to clean up spills.
I hope you enjoyed all of our tips, and from this step-mama to you and yours, I hope you have a very happy Mother’s Day!
